Manila: Officials of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) met with several international delegates to discuss partnerships in the maritime sector on the sidelines of the International Seafarers' Conference (ISC) in Manila that began on Monday. In a statement on Thursday, MARINA said these bilateral meetings, led by Administrator Sonia Malaluan, aimed to strengthen cooperation with partner countries.
According to Philippines News Agency, Malaluan was accompanied in the meetings by International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) Office Executive Director Samuel Batalla, together with Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials. The Philippine delegation met with representatives from New Zealand on the first day and representatives from Myanmar, Georgia, Greece, Mexico, Oman, and Sri Lanka during the second day of the conference.
'During the meetings, the Philippines expressed its gratitude to the delegations for their active participation in the conference and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the rights, safety, and well-being of seafarers,' it said. The Philippine delegation sought to explore areas of collaboration with each partner, particularly in maritime education and training, seafarer protection, and global shipping standards.
MARINA officials also discussed and appealed for support for the Philippines' candidature to the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council. 'These bilateral engagements further underscored the Philippines' active role in fostering cooperation with the global maritime community and in seeking recognition of the certificates issued in accordance with the requirements and standards under the STCW Convention, 1978, as amended,' it said. 'This recognition will bolster continuous employment or even create new employment opportunities for Filipino seafarers.'
During the conference, Manila welcomed over 200 delegates from more than 30 countries, including senior government officials, representatives of international organizations, labor groups, and leaders from the shipping industry. The ISC focused on 'Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being' and served as a venue for high-level discussions and concrete action toward improving the welfare of seafarers and the maritime sector.
